According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 14 million senior adults in the U.S. report falling each year. Falls can be very serious for older adults, leading to serious injury, disability, hospitalization, or death. A serious fall can change your life and limit your everyday activities.
At StoneRidge Centerra in beautiful Loveland, CO, we understand the importance of fall prevention awareness. The health and safety of every resident is our primary concern. Following a few senior safety strategies can reduce your risk of falls and preserve your independence.
Here are some fall prevention tips for senior adults.
As a senior adult, the risk of falling increases each year. Older adults need regular health checkups with their healthcare provider. Your doctor can monitor your health and assess your risk of falling.
Regular vision and hearing tests are essential. Inner ear or vision problems can increase your risk of falling.
These issues are often treatable. Getting the care you need could help you avoid an unnecessary fall and maintain your mobility.
Your doctor will ask you about your health history and current health issues. Some conditions can increase your risk of falling.
Discuss any problems you're having, and if you're dealing with joint pain, dizziness, numbness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor will consider your gait, muscle strength, and balance to assess your risk of falling.
Bring your medications or a list of everything you're taking to your doctor's appointment. Your doctor will take a look at the medication you're taking and evaluate whether it plays a role in your fall risk.
Talk to your doctor if you think any of your medications are making you dizzy or sleepy. This can increase your risk of falling. Your doctor may want to modify your prescription. Some medicines, including antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants, may increase your risk of falling.
Regular exercise is important at every age. Physical activity helps seniors maintain strength and endurance to perform their daily activities. Exercise can improve your sense of balance, which decreases your risk of falling.
The key is to find physical activities that you enjoy and can perform safely. Some senior activities to consider include:
Regular physical activity plays a vital role in avoiding falls in older adults. These activities can reduce your risk of falling and increase your strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
If you're considering a new activity, talk to your doctor about balance tips for seniors and the best activities for you. They can help personalize a workout for you or recommend physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
Seniors often have a lifetime of memories and things they have acquired. Their living space can become cluttered and increase the risk of falls. Take a look at the items around your home.
Electrical cords, bulky furniture, boxes, and other obstacles in your pathway can be dangerous, increasing your risk of a fall injury. Some ways to reduce this risk include:
It's normal for seniors to have excess clutter in their homes. It can be overwhelming to go through a lifetime of memories. They may need assistance with this process.
You can help your loved one identify items to discard, keep, or give away. Cleaning out the clutter can make their home safer and easier to navigate, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
Low lighting can be dangerous for senior adults. They may have trouble seeing obstacles in front of them, increasing the risk of falling.
Adding additional lamps or brighter bulbs brightens the space, making it easier to navigate. Some tips for mobility safety include:
If you're having issues with balance or feeling unsteady on your feet, talk to your doctor. They may recommend an assistive device, such as a walker, a cane, or another mobility device. This can keep you steady on your feet and reduce your risk of falling.
Some examples of assistive devices include:
Seniors experiencing difficulty navigating their home safely may benefit from working with an occupational therapist. They can help you identify trip hazards and strategies to better navigate your surroundings.
For some seniors, a transition to a senior living community is the next best step. Implementing senior safety strategies can increase senior independence and overall well-being. Talk to your doctor about whether visiting an occupational therapist is a good choice for you or your loved one.
The shoes you wear can affect your mobility. Walking around your home in slippers, socks, or flip flops can increase your risk of falling.
Flat, well-fitted shoeswith non-skid soles are best for older adults with mobility issues. Sensible shoes can help you feel more stable on your feet and reduce foot and joint pain.
Falling is an unfortunate reality for too many older adults. Senior falls can be dangerous, leading to severe injury, disability, or death. That's why it's critical to implement these fall prevention tips to keep you or your loved one as safe as possible.
Seeing your doctor, decluttering your living space, and removing fall hazards are great ways to reduce your chance of a serious fall. If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, StoneRidge at Centerra may be a wonderful option.
You will love the amazing amenities, including restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, an outdoor courtyard, a dog park, and an outdoor terrace with Colorado views. Contact StoneRidge at Centerra today to schedule a tour.